BETTER THAN WE DESERVE
With much preparation and then celebration, we have rejoiced our Savior’s birth and Advent season is finished. The three wise men traveled far to the house to see the young Child. Fallen down before Him in joyous humility, they presented their costly gifts to Him. The Christian church has given way from the Christmas season to the season of Epiphany. ”Jesus meets the World” . This new season stretches until Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent. Then we turn our attention to the reason our Savior was born. The days are lengthening and spiritually, one of the telltale signs of Spring is that Lent will soon begin. Fat Tuesday is a day customarily of merriment, feasting, drink and a final fling. As we ‘eat, drink and be merry’, keep in mind there is more to life. At the stroke of Midnight on Ash Wednesday, the sober arrival of Lent begins, Christians will strengthen their faith and prepare for a journey through the Lenten season.
Ash Wednesday falls on February 14, 2024. Receiving ashes on your forehead recognizes ourselves as sinners seeking renewal with God. The ashes are a sign of penance. “Repent and believe the Gospel; You are dust and unto dust you shall return.” This long tradition signifies the mortality of our human bodies.
In the early church, Lent began as a period of fasting and preparation for baptism by newcomers. Many Christians practice fasting and give up their bad habits. ”Giving up something for Lent” is a matter of Christian freedom. A Christian may do so as a way of remembering and personalizing the great sacrifice that Christ made for us on the cross. The tradition of self-sacrifice relates to Jesus who gave up everything for us. Lent is a quiet time to recognize the stillness. ”Be Still and Know I Am God”.
During the 40 days of Lent, God’s baptized people cleanse their hearts through repentance and prayer. It is a time of self-examination. Christians focus on their relationship with God, growing as disciples. It is the opportunity to reflect on our own baptism and what it means to be ”Children of God.”
Focus on your relationship with Christ during Lent. Find that quiet place. Pray, talk to our Lord. Ask God, how you can serve Him. Open your Bible to hear His words. Listen and reflect on God’s Love. Meditate on His truths. Despite our fears, our doubts, our desperations and our anger, God will not give up on us. He gives us strength to calm our selfish nature and opens our heart and our hands to live a giving life. Lent is the time we pray for the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts and homes with the grace and peace that belongs to children of God.
As Christians, you are part of what God is doing through the Lutheran Hour Ministries. Look forward to seeing how the Lord will work us. Your gifts and prayers make a very real impact on this ministry every day.
The Lutheran Hour can be heard every Sunday on radio stations
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